Japanese Senbei Recipe – Rice Crackers in Indian Flavours
Description:
Senbei, traditional Japanese rice crackers, get an Indian twist with this recipe that incorporates bold, aromatic spices. Combining rice flour, cooked rice, butter, and a medley of whole and ground Indian spices, these crackers can be baked to perfection for a gluten-free snack that’s perfect for tea time. Pair them with dips like creamy spinach or aubergine and cranberry bean dip, or enjoy them with a warm cup of adrak chai.
Cuisine: Japanese
Course: Snack
Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Whole Spices
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bay leaves (tej patta) | 2 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 4 |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Mace (Javitri) | 2 strands |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Kalonji (Nigella Seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Ground Spices
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1/4 teaspoon (optional) |
Other Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 1/2 cup |
| Cooked rice | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (Unsalted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ginger (grated) | 1/4 teaspoon (optional) |
| Garlic (minced) | 1/4 teaspoon (optional) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water or Vegetable Stock | As required |
Preparation Time and Cook Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 20 minutes |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Spiced Butter Mixture:
- Heat unsalted butter in a thick-bottomed pan over low heat.
- Once the butter begins to warm, add the whole spices: bay leaves, star anise, cardamom pods, Kalonji, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cumin seeds.
- Sauté gently until the spices release their aromatic oils, filling the kitchen with their fragrance.
-
Incorporate Ground Spices:
- Add the coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, garam masala (if using), ginger, and garlic to the pan.
- Stir continuously for a few seconds to toast the spices lightly, ensuring they don’t burn.
- Turn off the heat and cover the pan with a lid to let the spiced butter mixture rest for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
-
Prepare the Dough:
- After 30 minutes, remove the whole spices (bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and mace) from the butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift the rice flour and salt together.
- Add the cooked rice to the spiced butter and combine well. Gradually incorporate the rice flour mixture and knead it into a firm dough. Add water or vegetable stock as needed, depending on the moisture content of the cooked rice.
-
Shape the Crackers:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough to your desired thickness and use cookie cutters or a knife to cut out your preferred shapes for the senbei.
-
Bake the Senbei:
- Place the shaped crackers on the prepared baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10 minutes.
- Flip the crackers over and bake for another 5 minutes until they turn light brown and crisp.
-
Cool and Store:
- Remove the senbei from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the crackers in an airtight container to maintain their crispness.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Japanese Senbei – Rice Crackers in Indian Flavours as a delightful tea-time snack with a steaming cup of adrak chai.
- These crackers also pair beautifully with dips like Creamy Spinach Dip or Aubergine and Cranberry Beans Dip for a party appetizer.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 125 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Yield: Approximately 20 crackers
Indulge in the fusion of Japanese tradition and Indian spices with these gluten-free, crispy rice crackers. Perfectly balanced with spice and crunch, they’ll quickly become a household favorite!
